For centuries, practitioners of Chinese medicine have used Astragalus Root (Huang Qi) for immunity support, and now others across the globe are catching onto this herb's power.  As one of the three herbs in our take on Yu Ping Feng San (Immunity Support) we wanted to get a better idea of what makes this herb so powerful when it comes to building immunity.

Your Greatest Defense

The immune system is our body’s greatest barrier against illness causing infections and toxins. Comprised of the spleen, the thymus gland, bone marrow, and an extensive network of lymph nodes, it works as a defense mechanism against unwanted pathogens, viruses, and bacteria.

A healthy immune system is vital when combating sickness, but keeping it strong and able even in times of health is a smart move - this way, when the seasons change, or that unexpected cold shows up, your body is better equipped to maintain balance during times of seasonal transition. 

We’re all familiar with the standard ways of keeping our body healthy and happy - proper sleep, regular exercise, healthy diet, smart lifestyle choices - and these cannot be touted enough; they make all the difference!

Going a bit deeper, however, you can find herbal traditions that have long been used to support the body’s natural defenses and overall vitality. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine has been studying and using herbal remedies for thousands of years with incredible results. Tapping into this safe, natural wisdom allows each organ to activate its most natural fighting capability.

Now for the Science...

At the forefront of immunity building is the Astragalus Root. The root, known as Huang Qi in Chinese, is a "legume". Widespread in China, it is grows natively in Korea and Mongolia. With its purple flowers, sweet taste, and warming effect, it is traditionally used to support immune system health and maintain balance during seasonal changes.

There are three key components that work to our advantage when using Astragalus: flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides. These are each phytochemical - biologically active compounds found only in plants. They serve as anti-oxidant, anti-viral, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory in nature.

These compounds have been studied for their antioxidant and immune-supportive properties, and are traditionally used in Chinese medicine to promote overall wellness.

Bringing Astragalus Into Your Routine

Astragalus Root can be found in most health food stores, and used in teas, taken in a capsule, or even sprinkled over foods or mixed into your smoothie - but as with most herbs, it's so much more effective when paired with complementary herbs like in our Immunity Support formula, which comes easily accessible as a powder that dissolves into a glass of water. ime to support your body’s natural energy and resilience.

Ready To Try The Power of Astragalus?

Support your immune system with the time-honored combination of Astragalus Root, Siler Root, and Atractylodes—used in Chinese herbal traditions to promote seasonal wellness.

Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations from a healthcare provider. This information is not intended to treat, mitigate, or cure any disease.  That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options.  If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us at hello@mydaolabs.com.

Caroline Joan Peixoto is a writer born in New Jersey. Since then, she’s lived in Portugal, Rwanda, California, and Colorado, where she currently lives with her photographer boyfriend and wild African dingo. She’s continually inspired by travel and history, and energized by simple living. Connect with her @carolinejoan or caroline@mydaolabs.com